At $13,461/yr net price, Edmonds College graduates earn $48,144/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $14,144/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $13,461 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $53,844 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $48,144/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$14,144/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 3.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 33.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $11,855 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $12,686/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $12,004/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $14,089/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $18,161/yr |
| $110,001+ | $18,878/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $38,289 | $15,566 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $28,055 | $9,500 |
The Risk Factor
33.2% of students at Edmonds College graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Edmonds College delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With median earnings of $48,144 ten years after enrollment and a graduation rate of just 33%, your chances of completing a degree and earning enough to justify the costs are poor.
The school's top-earning program, Business Administration, produces graduates earning only $38,289 annually while carrying $15,566 in debt. Liberal Arts graduates fare worse at $28,055 with $9,500 in debt. These earnings fall well below what you need to comfortably repay student loans and build financial stability in the expensive Seattle metro area.
The low graduation rate creates the biggest financial risk. Two-thirds of students who enroll never finish their degree, meaning they carry debt without the credential needed for better-paying jobs. Your odds of financial success improve significantly at schools with higher completion rates.
Edmonds College makes financial sense only if you plan to transfer to a four-year university after completing general education requirements at a lower cost. The school works for students who can live at home and attend part-time while working, minimizing debt accumulation. You should also consider it if you qualify for substantial financial aid, though only 15% of students receive aid.
Skip this school if you need student loans to attend or if you plan to complete a degree here rather than transfer. The combination of low earnings, high dropout rates, and regional cost of living creates poor return prospects for most students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Edmonds College worth the cost compared to other schools?
Edmonds College offers a relatively low cost at $13,461 per year, but graduates earn just $48,144 after 10 years, which is below average for college graduates. The 33% graduation rate means most students don't finish their programs.
What are the best paying programs at Edmonds College?
Business Administration graduates from Edmonds College earn around $38,289 annually, while Liberal Arts graduates earn about $28,055. Both figures are well below national averages for college graduates.
How much student debt do Edmonds College graduates have?
Edmonds College graduates carry a median debt of $11,855, which is relatively low compared to four-year schools. However, with graduate earnings around $48,144, the debt-to-income ratio is still concerning.
Should I choose Edmonds College for a good return on investment?
Edmonds College provides an affordable education option, but the ROI is poor due to low graduate earnings and a high dropout rate. Consider it mainly if you need local, low-cost education or plan to transfer to a four-year school.